Top 5 Things that Juniors Should be Doing in November (2020 Update)

Students and parents, now that the first semester has reached beyond the midpoint and PSAT/NMSQT has passed, it’s a good time to begin considering what Juniors should be doing so as to begin preparations for the college application process.  It will be here sooner than you might realize, and time flies fast! With the pandemic still in effect, it’s imperative that you stay on-top of things.

Fortunately, if you’re lost or just beginning the process, you’re not behind (even with COVID).  That said, now would be a good time to “turn on the switch,” so to speak, in an effort to stay informed and ahead of the game.

1. Register for the SAT and/or ACT. A good, general rule of thumb is for students to begin taking the SAT and/or ACT the spring of their junior year. It’s understood that some testing centers are having difficulty maintaining openness due to the virus, but this should still be a factor in the process. The timing of such can depend on a few different factors:

   a. Prior testing history

   b. Academic performance

   c. Athletic recruitment

   — ***Some students who are more academically advanced should consider taking standardized exams in the Fall as opposed to the Spring, so as to obtain a better indication for long-term scoring.***

   — It’s suggested that students do a modest but limited amount of preparation going in to their first SAT/ACT so as to establish familiarity with standardized exams. Since students won’t specifically know how they’ll perform as they take their first, I suggest that students and parents not spend significant money on test prep or test tutoring at this point. Once a score report is obtained, the test prep agencies and tutors can utilize the information to perhaps tailor a course of action to maximize time efficiency based on each section of the SAT or ACT; this could also perhaps save parents a significant amount of money.

   
   — Students are likely to perform better on one of the standardized exams. It’s recommended that both are taken at least once so that a concordance comparison for re-examination can be examined. Focus on re-taking whichever is higher from that point forward; most colleges do not specify a preference between the ACT or SAT. As well, TEST OPTIONAL admission decisions/processes are commonplace due to the pandemic. It’s still a good idea to have scores on record to report if necessary; a student who scores high on the SAT or ACT should very likely consider submitting the high scores!

2. Utilize free test preparation resources. I highly suggest that students link their College Board accounts with wonderful resources like Khan Academy, which is a free online test prep resource that diagnoses SAT scores and offers daily test prep. Khan Academy can also familiarize a new test-taker with the SAT and in the very least, it can be an eye-opener for students going into their first exam. Covid has forced many students into an online-only environment, so this might actually be optimal in the first place.

3. Begin having discussions about school preferences. Many considerations will go into choosing a college, so consider the following factors to initiate the conversations:

a. Public vs Private schools

b. In-State vs Out-of-State schools

c. Urban campus or College town?

d. WILL MONEY BE A DECIDING FACTOR?

4. Utilize Junior year to begin making college visits (if you have not already been making them). Many colleges are open for official campus visits, even with Covid restrictions. Otherwise, prepare to make virtual visits. Here are some tips for setting up college visits:

a. If you don’t have a specific list of interest schools to visit, then start locally. The DFW area has quite a number of terrific colleges and universities; whether a student is interested in them or not, visiting some of them will at the very least serve as a comparison and example for the college campus “feel.”

b. Almost every college makes visiting the university admissions office very easy to find. When in doubt, do simple internet searches under the college’s name and add “visit” to it. You’ll likely be led to a page that will list when the admission office will have an official visit times/dates and how to officially register for them.

c. Keep in-mind that colleges often track “demonstrated interest,” so visiting through the official process helps the college remove any doubt as to whether or not you're truly interested should you submit an application down the line.

5. Keep up the academic performance or establish a positive grade trend. Junior year is what I call the “perfect storm” year, as it’s the first year that most high school students will have more rigorous courses available (AP, etc.), and it’s the last year that colleges will see on a transcript when applications are submitted during Senior year.

a. Colleges take grade trends into consideration. If a student had lackluster performance earlier in their high school tenure, then the Junior year can help a student improve. It’s generally better to end higher and on a positive grade trend than the reverse.

b. Be thinking about Senior courses. I’ll have more information about this topic later in the Winter-Spring.

I’ll have more information for Juniors down the line, but this should hopefully help Junior parents and students understand what they should be doing as of late Fall. There’s plenty of time to accomplish goals and to stay ahead of the game, but it’s best to jump on the train! Of course, contact me should you have any questions or if you’d like to inquire about an underclass consultation. We’ll go from there!

The Stresses of Application Season

Seniors and senior parents,

By now, most of you who are college-bound have begun to tackle the daunting application process. I’m sure that most of you have felt the pressure of adjusting to various school and social conditions, SAT/ACT, virtual meetings (aren’t we all ‘Zoomed’ out?), and the general condition of being a teenager or a parent of one. When I used to work for SMU, I used to tell rising seniors the following quote: “Applying for college is an activity that you didn’t know you signed up for.” I’ve you heard or seen me refer to this quote, then I’m sure that you understand the depth and meaning by now.

I’ve worked with quite a number of seniors and their applications from an array of local districts this year. Application season is in mid-swing, and for schools that have an Early Action or Early Decision process, applications will be HOT until early November. It’s not too late to seek help, so find me if you have any questions, are lost in the application or how/where to apply, have an unexpected number of essays or personal statements to write, or if you’re just generally frustrated by the process. You can count on me to be the seasoned professional to help you navigate, especially in these ever-changing times.

FYI, for some parents, I can also be the voice of reason for your student. They might not always listen to ‘mom or dad’, but they’ll listen to me. Keep that in-mind, parents, especially if you’re unsure how to proceed. I can help them put forth a plan and hold them accountable. I can take some of your stress away!

By the way, as students often have virtual classes, I can be available at times during the day, whether virtually or in-person (at your discretion, masks included as necessary). Find me if you would like to set up a consultation, review essays, help with applications, discuss the test-optional vs ACT/SAT process, holistic review, etc. I’m here for you!

Junior Year -- "The Perfect Storm"

Juniors and Junior parents,

The pandemic has caused significant hiccups in all of our lives, and yet the schooling, learning, and development process still marches on with time.  While our situation has definitely forced us to be flexible and fluid, some very basic truths about junior year still remain the same.  The Junior Year of high school is a critical year for college admission, and I’ve detailed below the most important reasons.

1. Rigor -- for most juniors, this year is the first year that many of the more rigorous coursework will become available.  While a number of juniors may have taken such offerings as AP Human Geography or AP World History as freshmen or sophomores, most will not have taken any others unless they’re approved for advanced classes.  Junior year is when many of the AP courses(and Dual Credit for some school districts) become available if offered at the school. As rigor and preparation are a significant factor in the college admission process, this will be good to know.

2. Time -- while this year is the first year that more rigorous courses become available, it’s the LAST year that colleges will see on a transcript.  Keep in-mind that while students may have a rigorous course schedule for their senior year, the schools will only see that the courses are in-progress; they won’t see grades until the end of first semester at best.  

The combination of these two factors listed above make the Junior year the “PERFECT STORM” year.  It’s the first year that Juniors have rigor largely available, and it’s the last year colleges will see on a transcript to identify grade trends.

3. GPA and Class Rank solidification -- there is typically a substantial amount of GPA/Class Rank movement this year as the weighted aspect of rigorous coursework takes larger effect.  For those of you interested in how class rank and GPA matters, think about how many of the Texas public colleges/universities consider rank.

-- while it’s true that many competitive districts in the area have gone the route of not reporting class rank, colleges still review applications by high school and will create a “soft rank” based on an internal review of all who apply from said school.  For this reason, it’s important to have rock-solid performance, especially JUNIOR YEAR.

4. Finish on a high note.  If this year is the “perfect storm,” then finishing on a high note will send an ideal message.  Think of it this way -- if a student’s performance is stable or even improving while the rigor gets tougher, then that’s an excellent sign that the student is well prepared for college.  In other words, as things get harder, you’re getting better.  That’s a win, so work to nail down grades this year and drive “90 MPH” until the end of the school year (academically speaking, of course)!

5. Extracurriculars and Leadership -- this year will also be ideally suited to solidify depth of meaningful involvement, passionate drive, and leadership.  Juniors are no longer the immature underclassmen; they are typically the best-rounded students in the entire school as they’re working hard to perform, grow, mature, and lead.  Seniors often have a “foot out of the door” mentality that leads to the dreaded ‘senioritis.’  This provides a golden opportunity for juniors to have a stand-out year.

6. Teacher Recommendations -- it goes without saying that students should do their best to submit schoolwork in a timely manner, pay attention in class, engage in classroom discussions, and develop solid working relationships with their teachers.  I say this to remind readers that many colleges require teacher recommendations, and the ideal teachers for such are JUNIOR YEAR teachers; they’ll have been the most recent teachers to have had students in the classroom and can vouch for their most immediate classroom credentials.  Take this opportunity to engage so as to position yourself well here.

Again, the pandemic has changed the dynamics of how students learn and interact, but the fundamental truths remain unchanged.  Use this year to swing for the fences and solidify the work done in prior years.  Grow as a passionate leader and person overall.  This is your opportunity to improve your lot when it matters most.  After all, it’s the perfect storm. Contact me if you would like to set up a consultation to help you prepare for this crucial year and how to navigate much of the changing dynamics as we continue.  You know where to find me!

Rising Seniors -- August 2020 Preview

August 1 is HERE, which means that it’s the day that most colleges and universities begin accepting applications for those applying for Fall 2021 admission.  That said, just because the application opens on August 1, it doesn’t mean that students must submit their applications on that day.  Here are some tips and pointers to help guide you as the application season officially begins:

1. There are several ways in which students can apply to their designated schools. Which application to submit depends on the individual school, but some application types are specifically designated to match certain schools.

A. Apply Texas -- Every Texas public college and university is required by Texas law to accept this application, and it’s especially geared towards students applying to the major public institutions (UT, A&M, Tech, UT-D, SFA, UNT, etc.).  If you’re applying to at least one Texas public school, then you’ll want to create an application profile on Apply Texas.  FYI, UT and A&M both require Essay Topic A from the Apply Texas options, and many of the other Texas schools have other requirements.

B. Common Application -- The “Common App,” (or ‘CA’) as it’s commonly known, is utilized primarily for private colleges and universities across the country; however, there is an increasing number of out-of-state public colleges that use CA (Ex: OU, Georgia, Clemson, Purdue) to drive application numbers.  CA works much the same way that Apply Texas does for Texas schools: it simplifies the process of applying to multiple colleges and directs you to specific information from each individual institution as necessary.  Many of the notable private schools in Texas accept the Common App, so it’s a good idea to use this platform for schools like SMU, TCU, and Rice. Common App also has an array of essay topic options, and a few of them are very similar to the ones on Apply Texas (overlap!).

C. Coalition Application -- an increasing number of colleges and universities accept the Coalition App (including some Texas public schools).  Questions often arise from students who are applying to schools that accept both the Common App and Coalition App as to which application to use.  FYI, most colleges will tell you that they don’t have a preference, but from experience, students AND college admission folks tend to prefer the interface and usability of Common App, and NOT Coalition.  Keep the application reader in-mind when considering this factor: Common App is easier for them to read and decipher.  Coalition is very well-intended and aims to break through various socio-economic barriers, but it’s not as friendly to use or read.  When in-doubt, use Common App.

D. Proprietary Applications --  these are applications that are school or system-specific.  These schools are typically outside of Texas and do not accept the Common App or Coalition App.  For example, the University of California System has the UC Application, so if you’re applying to any of the UC system schools, the general UC application is where you’ll go to designate which of the UC schools you consider. As well, other schools, such as Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas have their own applications.

2. Know what information your designated schools will require to complete your application.  Many colleges do not consider applications to be “complete” until they’ve received all required information such as transcripts, SAT/ACT (excluding test-optional), senior schedule, recommendation letters, essays/personal statements, and the application fees.  Some schools, such as Texas A&M, require a Self-Reported Academic Record, or “SRAR” for short.  They require you to input academic information on your own, and if you end up matriculating, they’ll require your official final transcript at the end of the school year.

3. Know your deadlines!  August 1 is the opening of application season, but most schools designate certain deadlines by application type (Early Action vs. Early Decision, Regular, Rolling, etc.).  See my May 2020 update under Application Deadlines for clarification of application types for reference. 

4. Be thorough.  When in doubt, the colleges would rather see an application from a student who pays attention to detail and submits thoughtful essays.  Applications that are thrown together for the sake of submitting are not typically as impactful in comparison to the thorough ones.  As well, be timely with transcript and SAT/ACT submissions and work to ensure that any required information is requested in a timely manner.

Application season is here, folks.  The time for the rising senior to officially cross over into actual senior year begins, and know that I’m available to help you in whatever capacity is needed.  Take care!

Mid-Summer 2020 Update for Rising Seniors

It seems hard to believe, but the midway point of the summer is here, and the next school year is slated to begin in a little over a month.  While we wait to see if spiked pandemic numbers influence the school settings and their starts, the application season will begin shortly.  Below are some updates and things to look into:

1. JULY 1 -- The Apply Texas application opened for Fall 2021 applications, but most Texas schools won’t begin to accept applications until August 1….

2. AUGUST 1 -- This is the date that the Common Application will open for application submission to various schools.  With that being said, that does not mean that a student needs to have their application submitted by that time.  Many, if not most, of these schools will operate on an Early Action/Early Decision and Regular Decision timeframe, so most of these applications won’t be due until mid-October or early November.  

3. Texas A&M -- whether or not this school is your first choice, if it’s anywhere on your list of prospective application destinations, then make it your first priority.  A&M has pushed the application deadline back to AUGUST 1 (had been July 1 in prior years), and they operate on more of a spot-in-line decision making process. An earlier application can only help. If you’re in the Top 10% of your class, then you’ll definitely want to submit in August to not only be automatically admitted, but to also improve your chances of being offered a spot in your first-choice major.  If you’re not in the Top 10%, you’ll want to have a thorough application submitted early, and submit updates (such as test updates, schedules, etc) as they come.  

1. SRAR -- The Self-Reported Academic Record is a trend that many public universities across the country are moving toward, and A&M is among them.  Because of this, A&M applicants do not need to submit a transcript; they’ll submit grades by semester via SRAR, and a final transcript will only be required if the applicant is admitted and then decides to enroll there (matriculate).  

2. Essay Topic A required

3. Test-Optional -- A&M will be test optional for this year (and likely into the future).  This is very good news for those of you who have terrific grades but lower test scores.  The review process will nitpick your grades, rigor, and extracurricular profile instead of merely judging you by your SAT or ACT. 

4. Essays and Personal Statements -- most of your designated applicant schools will require an essay and/or personal statements.  The schools want to see how well you write, but the main point of them is to learn something about you that can set yourself apart from other applicants.  What makes you different?  What makes you tick?  Has anything unusual happened in your life that needs explanation?  How do you see yourself succeeding as a student on their campus?  All of these can be addressed, and I’m in the process of working on an essay workshop, so be on the lookout for more information down the line.

As always, you know where to find me should you feel the need to utilize my services.  I’m already working with a number of rising seniors in the area, so let’s put something on the books to help with future planning.  I look forward to working with you!

Juniors/Rising Seniors -- May 2020 Update

Juniors and junior parents,

It’s time…..time to now refer to yourselves as “Rising Seniors,” and it can be hard to believe or imagine.  Recent graduations mark the end of a school year, but they also unofficially give rise to the next crop of prospective college applicants.  Below are some hot topics to watch as the summer quickly approaches.

ACT/SAT Testing and Test Optional -- much had been made about the future of testing and test optional admission approaches for applicants BEFORE COVID-19 took stranglehold, but the pandemic forced the hand for consideration more quickly than many of even the most progressive admission offices expected. 

• Test Optional is a mixed bag.  You’ll want to check with each individual prospective college to see what their policy is this upcoming application year.  Some will still require SAT and/or ACT, while others are optional. Examples below:

-- Tulane will be test optional for Fall 2021 applications

-- Vanderbilt and Boston College will still require SAT and/or ACT

-- The University of California System schools will be test optional

-- UT and Texas A&M are still expected to require SAT and/or ACT

• This might beg a simple question: “What if my test scores are high?”  The answer is to submit!

Grade Policies/Trends -- The pandemic forced schools to close their doors, and homeschooling took effect from mid-Spring semester onward.  With the transition to online learning and grading, many high schools will opt to list “Pass/Fail” for second semester grades, while others will work diligently to report whatever grades for which they can account.  

• Expect leniency from admission offices.  Colleges endured the situation along with everyone, and most colleges will look for reasons to admit you.  Succumbing to a global pandemic through no fault of your own will not be held against you, and they understand that many high schools across the country have had to adapt.  

• Rigor will be further emphasized.  Since many schools have different policies, the rigor component will play a big part in admission review.  This will put a greater emphasis on your prior semester coursework. 

Application Deadlines -- Most colleges will still maintain their traditional application deadlines, so be aware of different policies and timelines.  Know the difference between the types of application deadlines listed below and which ones may or may not apply to your designated applicant schools: 

-- Early Action

-- Early Decision (Early Decision 1 and/or Early Decision 2)

-- Regular Admission

-- Rolling Admission

-- Major-Specific applications and deadlines

Summer Activities -- Some students and parents overly stress the “What did you do to make use of your time during the pandemic or summer months?” I’ve heard from a few parents that colleges are going to demand to know and that it will affect their admission.  That’s not necessarily true.  The stress of forcing some activity can be counterproductive from a mental -- if not physical -- standpoint.  Here are my suggestions for meaningful activity:

• -- Find something you LIKE doing, not something that you feel you MUST do.  Colleges enjoy hearing about your passions, interests, and creativity.  It’s understood that our economies (state-by-state) are not fully open and that options might still be limited, but if you’re genuinely interested in something and can do it, then it almost doesn’t matter what it specifically is.  If something leads to personal growth and development, then do it.

• -- Get a head start on your application essays.  With test-optional policies in place, an even greater emphasis will be placed on how well you can communicate to colleges your personal contribution to their campus. 

-- Common Application Essay prompts found HERE

-- Apply Texas Application Essay prompts found HERE

Reflect on what you think college is and how your designated schools fit that role (and how you fit).

• Interest -- Reach out to your designated admissions counselor from your schools and ask if they do coffee chats, interviews, virtual tours, Zoom meetings, virtual meet-and-greets, etc.  Establish a rapport with your representatives and move forward from there.  When you’re considered in the application process, you’ll be glad to have someone go to bat for you. The earlier you start building your relationship, the better your voice will be heard. 

Overall, take a little while to soak in the circumstances of the past few months, take a deep breath, and rest for a bit.  Our trying times test us all, so don’t fret.  Be sure that you’re being responsible with your interactions, but otherwise, be yourselves.  Come into application season (and senior year in general) with a fresh outlook and rested mind.  

You know where to find me should you need my services.  Speaking of which, consultation prices will roll over on June 1.  The Class of 2021 will be considered as seniors from that point forward, so senior package and custom rates will apply.  Please be advised.  Otherwise, know that I’m available to help with your individual situations, and having an experienced professional to help guide you through the wacky and changing waters will be most beneficial in your college search and admission.  You can count on me!

Juniors -- April 2020 Update

Wow….so life has drastically changed and we’ve made an adjustment to a “new normal,” so to speak.  And, of course, this is happening at a time when high school juniors should be ramping up so as to prepare for the coming college application and admission process.  Whether you’re confident in your academic situation, prepared, unprepared, flabbergasted, confused, or otherwise, here’s a list of things to be on the lookout for in the ever-changing world of college admissions that we’re seeing as we approach the summer:

SAT and/or ACT

By now, many of you have had an opportunity to take at least one of these exams in recent months.  Others of you have likely seen your Spring testing (and even Summer dates) be cancelled because of the pandemic.  Here’s my advice: DON’T FRET, and DON’T PANIC.  Here’s why:

• Colleges understand the magnitude and impact the pandemic has on everyday Americans, not just college applicants.  Schools are closed, businesses have been shut down, kids are homeschooled, parents are working from home, etc.

• Their campuses have been largely shut down, so their numbers are obviously impacted as well, so expect to see many flexible measures in the coming months from most every college/university.

• They know that the SAT/ACT exam dates have been cancelled/postponed, so expect colleges to see one of two things:

  1. They’ll allow for SAT/ACT to be submitted later in the application process

  2. They’ll move towards a test-optional and completely holistic review process, at least for the time being.  I’ll have more detail about this below.

• SAT and ACT will add more testing dates by mid-summer and in the Fall

  1. Expect to see a September date added

  2. Though there have been discussions, do not expect the SAT to be administered online, unlike AP exams.

• Many SAT and ACT prep courses are available online, especially through KHAN ACADEMY and the like.  

• I recommend REVOLUTION PREP if you’re still interested in having one-on-one meetings with an SAT/ACT tutor in an online and virtual format.  You might also contact TUTORING 101 in Allen, for example, to see if they can provide a flexible schedule or service (this would also help the local economy). They might also provide one-on-one tutoring, so it’s worth a look.

Addressing the SAT/ACT Test-Optional Discussion

Quite a lot of discussion has been and still is taking place around making the SAT/ACT optional for admission.  This had been a hot topic before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the circumstances forced the issue.  Over the course of the next few weeks and coming months, many colleges will announce admission requirements with an updated SAT/ACT policy that will possibly include a test-optional format.  Here’s what that means for you:

• You’ll most likely still have the option to submit any SAT or ACT scores that you have previously taken.  If you scored well, then you’ll definitely want to submit.

• If you exercise the test-optional approach, then you’ll definitely want to highlight the holistic value of your total academic and personal portfolio.

As pertaining to holistic review without an objective SAT/ACT score, the emphasis will be placed upon the following:

• GPA -- your grades and grade TRENDS will be heavily scrutinized

• Rigor -- the level of courses you’ve taken, especially when compared to what your school offers (and what your school peers are taking) will be heavily scrutinized

• Extracurricular activities -- the depth of your involvement, leadership, passion, motivation, or anything truly extraordinary (including adverse circumstances) will need to be highlighted and placed front-and-center.  What have you done to make a difference or lasting impact on our community and the greater good as a whole?

• Recommendation letters -- this is the time of year that you should be requesting rec letters from junior year teachers.  I typically recommend that students request a letter face-to-face with their designated teacher(s) and follow up with an email, but in the current situation, contacting a teacher in whichever available method will suffice. 

• When in doubt, ask for recommendations from core subject teachers: English, Math, Science, Social Studies

• It’s also suggested that students request recs from teachers in relevant subjects as related to the intended major.  For example, if a student lists “Journalism” as their intended first-choice major on their application, then it’s perfectly acceptable to submit a rec from a journalism teacher.

• If your designated applicant schools require a counselor recommendation, then move on the process before the end of this school year.

• Virtual Tours — With the uncertainty of our current situation, it may not be physically possible to visit a college campus.  Take the time to register for virtual tours for schools that interest you.  It’s likely that colleges will still be able to track “demonstrated interest” if you register via an official process.  You can at least get some sort of sense for what it’s like to be a student on their campus.

Bottom line, folks, is that this year’s situation is as fluid, flexible, open, confusing, and strange for obvious reasons.  You’ll want to work with someone who can help navigate the even trickier waters as the application process approaches.  I’m available to meet with you virtually via FaceTime, Zoom, etc, so contact me if you have any questions, and I’ll have more information over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, please take care, stay safe, and know that we’re all in this together!

With love,

Randy Trevino

Message to the Senior Class of 2020

Seniors,

I've enjoyed working with many of you this year, and my heart is heavy with many emotions.  Your class was born during the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and you're currently enduring the COVID-19 crisis....just as college decisions, prom, graduation, and all of the surrounding circumstances come due. The pandemic has stolen your time to shine, but I know that you can rise above it.

With so many things on-hold right now, please know that you are not forgotten.  The uncertainty of today's climate will eventually work itself out, and though the situation is non-traditional, be thinking of ways to make light of your unique situation.  Going forward, it's imperative that you stay connected and engaged with your peers, your parents, and your grandparents.  You guys are creative and have so many avenues for connecting, so use them to your advantage.

In prior years, I've had the honor of attending numerous graduation parties, spoken at baccalaureate ceremonies, shook hands on the graduation stage, chaperoned prom, etc., and I reveled in the fun and sincerely gratifying moments for everyone involved.  My heart goes out to each and all of you who might not get to celebrate these moments in their traditional sense, but I encourage you to do your best to perhaps have virtual celebrations, drive-by graduation parades, Snapchat messages, etc. 

From a college admissions perspective, pay attention to messages from your designated applicant schools in regard to not only admission decisions, but also extended deadlines, virtual tours/programs, scholarship updates, and other programs.  You're approaching April 1, the last of the major decision dates for many schools, and traditionally speaking, May 1 is the deposit deadline to commit your spot in next year's freshman class.  Expect those deadlines to be flexible and/or extended, but that may vary from school to school. You know where to find me if you have any questions.

This is an opportunity for you to grow and learn from a disheartening experience.  You can rise above the setback, and the determination to press on will only make you stronger and more resilient in the long-run.  You are loved, cherished, and remembered.  You are the Class of 2020.

With abiding respect and affection,

Randy Trevino

Juniors -- Spring 2020 Updates as related to COVID-19

So you’re engaged in “social distancing” for the time being (at least, I hope you are).  As it’s an important time of year in college admission preparations for Juniors, how does the coronavirus affect you and and does it affect your outlook?

The answer is clear as mud at this point.

So as to best prepare once the dust hopefully settles, here’s what you can be doing:

1. Utilize this time to engage in free resources for SAT/ACT prep. My personal favorite is through Khan Academy, and it can be linked to your existing College Board account for SAT score diagnosis.  Daily test prep for vocabulary and math skills can keep you sharp and help you prepare for flip-side activity.  You can take Khan Academy anywhere you have internet access, so it’s even more valuable!

1. Check your ACT/SAT registration dates.  If you’ve already registered for the April ACT (or this past Saturday’s SAT), then it’s likely on-hold for the time being.  Understand that phone and contact lines are likely overloaded at the moment, so be patient; College Board and ACT will be flexible for obvious reasons.  It’s possible that we’ll be on the downswing of the coronavirus by mid-April, so hold your existing reservations. If we’re still engaged in suggested social distancing, then stay on-top of notifications and alerts that discuss possible make-up dates down the line.  THERE WILL BE FLEXIBILITY.

1. If you’re in any AP classes, then check out College Board’s update for instructional support and be on the lookout for exam updates.  

1. Keep track of your activities.  While social distancing is paramount, make a list of things to possibly do to keep track of all that you’re doing while you have time at home. Here are just a few suggestions off the top of my head:

   1. Have you developed a reading interest?  If so, write about it!

   2. Become a movie critic! As you have time on the couch, document your movie watching and give reviews!

   3. How about art?  Any drawings or sculptures you can make?

   4. Read historical context and non-fiction.  I personally suggest reading up about the flu pandemic that affected us in 1918.

1. Do some indoor PE, if necessary.  The “sound body, sound mind” principle works here; if you’re reasonably active, are getting rest, and are eating reasonably well, then you’ll not only maintain better health, but you’ll also be in a better frame of mind to learn once normalcy returns. Rain aside, try to get some fresh air outside whenever possible as long as you keep social distance in-mind.

1. Stay on-top of your schoolwork.  If your school has closed for the time-being, then be on the lookout for updates for return.  Other districts have gone to an e-learning platform, so stay engaged by setting aside designated time for your studies.  This goes without saying, but as Junior year ends, your grades will still matter. Finish strong!

1. Virtual college tours: I typically suggest that Juniors begin or continue to make official visits to colleges this time of year and on into the summer months.  COVID-19 has provided an obvious exception. That said, some colleges are still open for daily visits in very small groups, and I also suggest that you utilize the virtual tour circuit for some exposure.  It’s not the same as an actual visit, but given the circumstances, it’s a nice alternative. For example, SMU has information about daily visits and campus tours. UT-Dallas has a virtual guided tour, and Texas Tech will specifically register you for one that can help add “demonstrated interest” when you apply down the line. There are countless others across the country, so even if you’re not interested in a particular school, utilize the time to at least compare the virtual feel of campus as related to other schools.

We WILL come out of this, and life WILL eventually move-on.  What you do in the meantime can help you re-start and stay ahead of the game once the dust settles, and quite honestly, then initiative will help you stand out in next year’s application process. As you work to maintain your health and that of others, take the time to keep sharp and be prepared.  You’ll be glad you did. 

As well, I’m available to work/consult VIRTUALLY on an individual basis.  My services are available via FaceTime, Skype, or other available platforms as necessary.  If you’d like individual guidance for your specific needs/situation, then I will discount the normal consultation fee. This way, we can responsibly observe social distancing while staying prepared and ahead of the game.  Contact me if you’d like to set up a virtual appointment!

Seniors: Appealing your Admission Decision

By now, many seniors have begun to hear back from their designated schools. Some have mixed results.  For example, I’ve heard from quite a number of seniors who were offered CAP by UT Austin or PSA from Texas A&M in recent weeks.  Others have been deferred or even placed on a waitlist by their applicant schools. These decisions are often disappointing, but they’re not always final.  

Did you know that many schools have a decision appeal process?  While it’s a longshot to obtain decision reversal, an appeal might be worth considering; there must typically be some extenuating circumstances or discrepancies that merit reconsideration.  Other applicants might feel as though an appeal will help them fill some holes they might have left in their initial application. If you feel as though you’re in that boat, contact me to set up a consultation. We can discuss the reasons for appeal, best strategy to maximize your reconsideration effort, and properly submit via the school’s official process.  Again, a reversal is unlikely, but you’ll be glad you tried should you be admitted, especially if it’s your first-choice “dream” school.